Alice,

There were locks right there in Fluvanna County. It was probably used to 
lock the canal gates so no one could open them at the wrong time or when 
they did not want them opened. I think you have a treasure there. Can you 
send me a picture?

Your cousin.

Regards,

Steve
-----Original Message----- 
From: Alice Owens
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 9:54 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VA-ROOTS] :Lock for a lock?

Hope someone familiar with Virginia canals and locks might be able to assist 
me...

My father who was born in 1904 had a large padlock which I inherited.  This 
is a rather large lock (much larger than what I think would be used on a 
trunk or chain). it has a large key and it locks and opens well.  My dad 
told me (back in the era when I was not interested in history/genealogy), 
that it was used on a canal lock.  This lock was one of his "keepers" and he 
never used it, just had it set aside.

I have found in the mid 1800s census where his g-grand pa's occupation was 
"boatman"
in Buckingham...and I have seen other kin listed as "canalman" and although 
I can't find it, I believe one was listed as a lock-keeper.

My question to the list - what/how would this padlock have been used in 
connection with canal lock?

PS...my grandson is interested and I have promised it to him...but would 
love to add the history along with it.

Thanks for help and or suggestions.

Alice in Fluvanna

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html 

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html